Addictive Disorders/ Substance Use Disorders are characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. A number of psychosocial and biological factors drive the development and maintenance of an addiction.

The two properties that characterize all addictive stimuli are that they are reinforcing (i.e., they increase the likelihood that a person will seek repeated exposure to them) and intrinsically rewarding (i.e., they are perceived as being inherently positive, desirable, and pleasurable)

The term addiction does not only refer to dependence on substances such as heroin or cocaine. Some addictions also involve an inability to stop partaking in activities such as gambling, eating, or working.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as “a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.

Treatment involves a combination of Psychotherapy, Medication Management and Groups like Alcoholic Anonymous, Smart Recovery etc. Sometimes people with severe substance use disorders need higher levels of care like Intensive Outpatient Treatment or Inpatient Rehab.